7th annual Cy-Hawk Big Day Challenge will be held Sunday, September 6, 2020. This is a friendly, spirited competition between the Iowa City Bird Club (andall Hawkeye friends across the state) and Big Bluestem Audubon Society of Ames(and all Cyclone friends across the state) to find the most bird species in oneday.  Normally, participants compete in teams of two or more people, butthis year the competition is open to individuals as well as cohabiting couplesand families. Big Bluestem is using this for their Birdathon to raise money fortheir club.  ICBC is asking that those that can donate $5.00 for IAAudubon.  You can send money to Karen, 1917 I St., Iowa City, IA 52240. The IA Audubon Website does not take donations without adding $15.00 formembership.

The results from all participants will be compiled into one list for eachclub, and the club with the most species wins bragging rights and the covetedKent-Dinsmore traveling trophy.  To be clear, you don’t need to be amember of either club to participate, but you do have to choose a side,Cyclones or Hawkeyes.

To participate, each individual or team must register for either theCyclones with Eric Ollie (uphawkeye@gmail.com ) or theHawkeyes with Chris Edwards (credwards@aol.com) by 6 p.m. on Saturday,September 5. 

On September 6, bird for as much or as little as you like between midnightand midnight, anywhere in the state, and keep track of the species seen orheard.  If you find a rarity, you’re encouraged, but not required, toobtain a photo or have another birder corroborate your sighting. 

After the competition, Hawkeyes must email their species list to ChrisEdwards, and Cyclones must email their species list to Eric Ollie, by Wednesday,September 9.